Smith County, Mississippi may be a few hours drive from the Gulf Coast, but that doesn't mean local residents and visitors can't get their fair share of seafood. The local favorite is catfish, which is served up fresh and hot in four restaurants in and around Smith County.
This regional chain offers fresh fried catfish sandwiches, fried gulf oysters and fresh shrimp. Popular sides include fried pickles and hush puppies. Catfish One blends fast food service with sit-down dining, and is a kid-friendly environment. In Smith County, Catfish One can be found on Pine Street in Taylorsville, not far from the original restaurant in nearby Laurel. The restaurant is closed Sundays. The restaurant motto is "one bite and you'll be hooked," which seems to be the case for customers. Catfish One franchises have been rapidly expanding and can now be found throughout the southern states.
Located on Front Street in Taylorsville, at the intersection of Front and Hydell Streets, Catfish Cabin is easy to miss. Since 2008, Catfish Cabin has been serving up the local favorite in an unassuming atmosphere. A typical catfish joint without the frills, the emphasis here is on the food rather than the ambiance. The building is a tiny timber cabin, dwarfed by the surrounding buildings. Catfish Cabin has indoor and outdoor tables, as well as plenty of parking. Look for the red and white sign outside. Catfish Cabin is locally owned and operated by a small staff of less than 10, furthering the down-home feel of the place.
Just 12 miles away from Mize, in neighboring Simpson County, is Berry's Seafood Catfish House. Located in Magee on Highway 49, Berry's serves up catfish, crawfish, shrimp, oysters and crab. Chicken tenders, sandwiches, burgers and steaks are also available. Among the more unusual offerings are Cajun pickles, stuffed jalapeno peppers, fried green tomatoes, quail and frog legs. Berry's Seafood offers lunch and dinner buffets, as well as menu items. The buffet is restocked frequently, so the food is always fresh and hot. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a street scene in an old river town, complete with plank cabin walls and indoor trees. The waitstaff serves food in overalls, making for a fun, relaxed setting.
A little farther down the road, about 19 miles from Mize, is Country Fisherman on Highway 49 in Mendenhall. Country Fisherman offers a Friday and Saturday seafood dinner buffet. During the week, dinner choices include catfish, shrimp, oysters, chicken and quail. Lunches are served buffet-style seven days a week. Country Fisherman even offers an all-you-can-eat catfish special, and a "world-class dessert bar." Country Fisherman opened in 1988 and has expanded to four locations. This small restaurant chain prides itself on quality of food and service, offering fresh seafood cooked up Southern-style at reasonable prices.
